Jayden Daniels Could Return to the Commanders This Week
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will return to practice this week, although his participation in the game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night is uncertain, according to coach Dan Quinn. Daniels has not yet been cleared for contact. He has not played since dislocating his left elbow, the one he doesn’t use to throw with, in the loss to Seattle on November 2nd. He did not require surgery, nor was there any structural damage to the elbow. The Commanders did not place him on injured reserve, indicating hope for a possible return. Quinn indicated that internally, the possibility of shutting down Daniels for the rest of the season was not discussed. At the time of the injury, Washington had a record of 3-6. Currently, the Commanders have a record of 3-8 before Sunday’s matchup against Denver (9-2), and have lost six consecutive games.Quinn is not sure when Daniels will return. Daniels has already missed five games this season due to three different injuries. He was out in weeks 3 and 4 due to a sprained left knee, after a defender’s helmet hit him at the end of a run. He returned for three games and then suffered a right hamstring injury on a sack against Dallas in Week 7. Daniels returned for one game before suffering the elbow injury, with 7:39 remaining on the clock and Washington trailing the Seahawks 38-7. The drive began with 12:30 remaining in the game. Afterwards, Quinn said he didn’t regret leaving Daniels in the game, but the next day he admitted he should have taken him out earlier. Washington has little chance of making the playoffs. However, Quinn said they still want Daniels to play so he can improve. If Daniels returns, it would be beneficial for him to have all his receivers. Washington opened the 21-day window for receiver Noah Brown, who hasn’t played since week 2 due to a groin injury. He missed most of training camp due to groin and knee problems. Terry McLaurin, who has missed seven of the last eight games due to a quadriceps injury, could return soon, although Quinn is still unsure when it might happen. McLaurin accompanied the team to Madrid, Spain, to continue his rehabilitation work on the field. In six games this season, Daniels, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, has thrown for 1,184 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Quinn said they would like to see the projected starting offense together to learn more about what they need in the future. For Daniels, part of what they want to see is him playing the position “as safely as possible”.It’s important that Jayden gets going, learns to play this position at the highest competitive level, and also does so safely.
Dan Quinn
